EgyptAir to allow stewardesses to wear Islamic headscarvesNovember 11, 2012 - 17:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - EgyptAir is allowing its stewardesses to wear Islamic headscarves if they wish on flights to Arab states and will expand the practice to the rest of the network, an official said on Sunday, November 11 ending a restriction imposed in Hosni Mubarak's era, Reuters reported. It follows a similar move to allow presenters on state television's flagship news broadcasts to wear the hijab, which covers the hair but not the face. Although many Egyptian Muslim women wear the scarves, Mubarak's administration had sought to restrict its usage in places such as on state television and the national carrier which were seen as the public face of Egypt. President Mohamed Mursi and his administration have repeatedly said they will not impose strict Islamic codes of behavior, but more secular-minded Egyptians and many Christians worry about the creeping implementation of social restrictions. EgyptAir is designing a new hijab to be worn with the carrier's uniform and that will be completed before expanding the new practice to services beyond the Arab world, the carrier's deputy chairman, Abdel Aziz Fadel, said. The airline began by letting stewardesses wear headscarves on trips to Jeddah and Medina, cities in Saudi Arabia used by pilgrims to Islamic holy sites, and have now expanded it to other Arab states. Fadel said the hijabs would not affect the work of stewardesses and would be optional attire. Headscarves are worn by stewardesses on some other airlines of Muslim nations. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |